Restoration: The Beautiful 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3

The car is still as drool-worthy as ever, albeit with the latest technology

Restorations are always fun; the beauty of retro aligning with the technology of today, the old-school interiors getting a touch of modern material. While car lovers take this up as a task and do it themselves, there are professional companies which also do it. One such company is E-type UK, which specializes in restoring only the Jaguar E-Type models. This time around, they have restored a 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.

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E-Type UK

The company is based out of Kent, in East England, and has been working on Jaguars E-Type cars all across the globe since 2008. For this project, E-Type UK has restored a 1974 ‘E’ for an overseas customer.

1974 Jaguar E-Type Modifications

The car originally had a 5.3-liter V-12 engine, which was replaced by a 6.1-liter fuel-injected V-12.

To begin, this 1974 Jaguar E-type Series 3 has been restored and upgraded to become the highest-specification ‘E’ car of all time. The car originally had a 5.3-liter V-12 engine, which was replaced by a 6.1-liter fuel-injected V-12 that produces 284 horses on the tap. The ‘E’ took over 3,000 man-hours to complete, as the car was customized specifically to the client’s desires.

1974 Jaguar E-type Performance Upgrades

The restorer created a bespoke downdraft injection system for the car with Jenvey throttle bodies, an Emerald ECU, and a full custom wiring loom. The header tank and the radiator, which has been replaced with an aluminum one, get silicon hoses. The original gearbox was replaced by an aluminum five-speed manual transmission, with internal ratios chosen to complement the new power band. To get that sweet, acoustic sound from the engine, custom-made velocity stacks, and a 12-branch stainless-steel exhaust system have been added.

To be able to handle the new specs, the car had to be made safe as well. For that, the inner sills were strengthened and extended louvers were added to the bonnet. An additional air ducting has been also been created. The original suspension has been replaced with adjustable sports torsion bars on all four corners. Even the wheels have been completely upgraded to 16-inch, 62-spoke set. The brakes are now four-pot AP Racing brakes with grooved
and vented discs at the front.

1974 Jaguar E-type Appearance And Comfort

Step inside, and you’ll find that the classy interior has been retained and tailored with leather all around.

Step inside, and you’ll find that the classy interior has been retained and tailored with leather all around. The seats have been lowered to give it a more performance-car like feel. For the audiophiles, there is a new surround-sound system, complete with auxiliary cable and Bluetooth. The footwell and boot get LED lighting as part of the restoration. All the external lightings have been converted from Halogens to LEDs, which add to the character, as well as the safety of the car.

Our Take

The E-Type Series was produced by Jaguar from 1961-1975, and has been described as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. So understandably, the restoration had to be happen without faltering with the car’s original identity. The cost of the mod has not been disclosed, but we’re sure it would’ve been a bomb. For all the classic lovers out there, this is probably one of the most tasteful modifications done to the 1974 Jaguar. Like it? Hate it? Let us know in the comments section below.

References

Formerly relegated to the shadows of the E-Type market, in recent times the Series 3 model has begun to shine among collectors and enthusiasts, becoming hot property for those seeking true driving pleasure and usability.

One Series 3 shines brighter than others, however. This 1974 example has been subjected to a 3,000-hour restoration to bespoke specifications by leading specialists E-Type UK.

Commissioned by an overseas customer, the brief for this car was to not only restore it to perfection but to also tailor the car to his exact desires, personalising it for him and upgrading the car to create his ultimate E-Type.

As experts in restoring and upgrading all models of E-Type, the E-Type UK team were perfectly placed to advise and execute his vision, and following extensive consultation the plan was set. The result is an E-Type with true duality of character, capable of offering thunderous performance and smooth grand touring capabilities while maintaining the essence of what makes the E-Type an icon of its time.

The V12 engine, originally 5.3 litres in capacity and utilising Stromberg carburetors, was fully rebuilt and reworked. As specialists in fuel-injecting E-Types, the team created a totally bespoke downdraft fuel injection system for the car with Jenvy throttle bodies, Emerald ECU and full custom wiring loom. The capacity of the engine was increased to 6.1 litres and now produces a dyno-proven 284bhp at the rear wheels. Topped with stunning custom made velocity stacks, the engine produces an exceptional tone through a 12-branch stainless steel exhaust system.

To aid this improved performance, suitable custom touches were made under the skin of the E-Type. The inner sills were strengthened, bespoke extended louvres were added to the bonnet and additional air ducting was created. A sports steering rack was fitted for a heavier feel, alongside adjustable suspension with sports torsion bars all round and 4-pot AP Racing brakes with grooved vented disks to the front. An aerospace-grade aluminium 5-speed gearbox replaced the old unit, with internal ratios chosen to complement the power band. One-off 62 spoke 16" Turino wire wheels complete the rolling package.

Inside the car, a fully bespoke leather interior was created. The seat bases were lowered for a better driving position, with custom seats created from XJS units fitted (complete with seat heating). Beneath the interior lies Dynamat sound deadening, adding to the audio experience of the iPod and Bluetooth connected surround sound. Something of a motif throughout the car is the subtle use of LED lighting, with the interior benefitting from custom foot well lighting, door flood lighting and boot lighting. With a full external light conversion to LEDs, including Daytime Running Lights, this E-Type is the perfect mix of modern practicality and classic style. Complete with glowing red start button sitting beneath the piano black dash, the interior also benefits from a custom air conditioning system.

Recently delivered to the delighted customer, this E-Type represents a world-class example of a restomod S3. E-Type UK are now accepting similar commissions for those looking to bring their dream E-Type to reality.